Yak-3, A.S.Yakovlev

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The Yak-3 was a lightweight interceptor development of the Yak-1. It was one of the lightest and nimblest fighters of WWII (certainly of mass-built), with a max weight of only 2550kg. This resulted in a fighter that had some limitations, but excelled in fighter vs. fighter combat at low altitudes.

The M-107 engine originally planned was installed in the Yak-3U, but that was too late for combat in WWII.

4848 built.

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Developments/Modifications :
• (20k) Yak-3P (Pushechnyj, "cannon armed") with three 20mm guns and experimental high speed propeller;

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• (24k)
  Yak-3PD (Perehvatchik Ddalnij, "long range interceptor") high altitude interceptor with single 20mm gun;

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• (28k)
  Yak-3U (Usilennyj, strengthened) whole metal design with VK-107 engine and 3 20mm cannons, April-May 1945; see also Yak-3U restoration page.

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• 
  (32k, 24k) with experimental VK-108 W-engine (looks like employing 3 rows of cylinders!); Top speed 745km/h; one 20mm cannon; (Le Fana de l'Aviation, July 1995)

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• 
  (32k)with 37mm coaxial gun;

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• Yak-11 'Moose' - trainer version with radial engine;

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• Yak-15 'Feather' - used Yak-3 fuselage to fit RD-10 engine;

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B&W photos from Le Fana de l'Aviation(France) magazine July 1995, "Yak-3 un reve de pilote";

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(16k) my 1/72 Yak-3 from Hasegawa kit;
(76k) another two new-built Yak-3's with Allison engine;
Yak-3M page at the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum ;

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More links...

• Yak-3 history, variants, specs
• Yak-3 at Virtual Aircraft Museum
• Yak-9 of Normandie-Niemen
• Yak-3, Yakovlev
• Yak-3 at Michael Fletcher's Site;
• DOO Flightsimulator page by Oleg Devjatkin;
• Yak-3 - Kiwi Aircraft Images
• Yak-3, 1st Guards Fighter Division, 1945

Modified January 25, 1996

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